Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 2 October 2024

These updates are shared to help raise the situational awareness of Faith-Based organizations to best defend against and mitigate the impacts from all-hazards threats including physical security, cybersecurity, and natural disasters.

Police increase patrols at US places of worship amid attack on Israel and start of Jewish high holidays

CNN reports:

Police departments across the US are increasing patrols in Jewish communities and at places of worship amid Iran’s latest strike on Israel, the start of the Jewish High Holidays on Wednesday – and the upcoming one-year anniversary of the October 7 Hamas terror attack.

Officials told CNN the increased police presence at key locations is out of an abundance of caution as a deterrent and not based on any specific threats. Despite the lack of any known credible threats, law enforcement officials have described the potential for violence from so-called “lone wolf” attackers as among their most serious concerns during what they have described as a heightened threat environment.

The increased patrols come as Rosh Hashanah – which is the first of the high holidays and considered the Jewish New Year – is set to begin at sunset Wednesday and end at nightfall Friday. Next week, Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, will be celebrated beginning Friday at sunset through nightfall on Saturday.

Related Articles:

• Houston: HPD adds security to synagogues and mosques following Iran missile attack in Israel
• Chicago police ramp up security at places of worship as protests against Israel continue
• NYC heightens security at synagogues, consulates after Iran’s missile attack on Israel
• High Holy Days, Oct. 7 anniversary come amid rising antisemitism

Analyst Comments:

Multiple factors have severely increased the threat environment. Faith-Based Organizations should consider reviewing and possibly improving their protection and resilience posture.

The following resources are available:

• The DHS Resources and Information for Faith and Community Leaders Regarding the Israel – Hamas Conflict website provides numerous resources which FBOs can use to enhance their security posture.
• Yesterday’s Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post provided the following links to the Secure Community Network’s (SCN) resources.
  • Recognize the Signs of Terrorism-Related Suspicious Activity – DHS
  • Civil Unrest – Facility Preparedness
  • Swatting Incidents – SCN
  • Communicated Threats Checklist – SCN
  • Bomb Threat Checklist – SCN
  • Full Internet Header Recovery Instructions – SCN
  • Suspicious Mail or Packages – SCN

• The 1 August 2024 Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post provided the following links to the Muslim Council of Britain’s resources:
  • 6 Step Guide to Keeping Safe  
  • Dealing with intruders   
  • Dealing with harmful mail
  • Dealing with Cyber security

• CISA: Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship – Security Guide (cisa.gov)
• CISA: Protecting Places of Worship: Six Steps to Enhance Security Against Targeted Violence (cisa.gov)
• CISA: Security of Soft Targets and Crowded Places-Resources Guide.

Additionally, Faith-Based ISAO’s website provides resources in the Resource Library, including information on Securing Facilities and People and Securing School Facilities and Students.

CISA Warns of Hurricane-Related Scams

CISA advises:

As Hurricane Helene approaches, CISA urges users to remain on alert for potential malicious cyber activity. Fraudulent emails and social media messages—often containing malicious links or attachments—are common after major natural disasters. Exercise caution in handling emails with hurricane-related subject lines, attachments, or hyperlinks. In addition, be wary of social media pleas, texts, or door-to-door solicitations relating to severe weather events.

CISA also recommends reviewing the following:

• Federal Trade Commission’s Staying Alert to Disaster-related Scams and Before Giving to a Charity, 
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Frauds and scams

Analyst Comments:

For those directly affected by Hurricane Helene, the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) website recommends the following to avoid being scammed.

Signs of a scam:

• Scammers claim they don’t need to be licensed to do the work.
• Scammers say you’ll get a discount, but only if you sign a contract right away.
• Scammers tell you to sign over your insurance check.
• Scammers ask you to pay for everything up front.
• Scammers insist you pay by wire transfer, gift card, payment app, cryptocurrency or in cash.
• Scammers ask you to sign a “blank contract.”
• Scammers suggest you borrow money from a lender they know.
• Scammers claim they can help you qualify for FEMA relief ― for a fee.

Avoiding a scam:

• Know that FEMA doesn’t charge application fees.
• Verify your insurance coverage. 
• Be skeptical of anyone promising immediate clean-up or repairs.
• Check out contractors before you commit to anything. 
  • Use online review sites you trust to see what others are saying. 
  • Confirm your contractor’s license and insurance. 
  • Check with a local home builders’ association. 
• Get estimates from more than one contractor. 
• Get a written contract and read it carefully. 

Paying for repairs:

• Negotiate a reasonable down payment. 
• Pay by credit card or check.
• Never make the final payment until the work is done and you’re satisfied. 

For those wishing to help those affected Hurricane Helene, the FTC’s website recommends the following to avoid being scammed:

• Search online for the cause you care about.
• Check out the charity’s website.
• Use one of these organizations that help you research charities:
  • BBB Wise Giving Alliance
  • Charity Navigator
  • CharityWatch
  • Candid
• Find out if the fundraiser and the charity are registered. 
  • Check your state’s charity regulator.
• Check if the donation will be tax deductible. 
  • Look in the IRS’s Tax Exempt Organization Search.

The FBI’s Common Frauds and Scams website provides additional guidance.